Sydney proposes set of reforms to protect beleaguered nightlife

Sydney’s notorious lockout laws have had quite a damaging impact on the city’s once flourishing nightlife. Introduced in 2014, the laws force a 1:30 a.m. lockout and 3 a.m. cease-service policy for all nightclubs and bars in central Sydney and the Kings Cross precinct. These laws have been widely criticized by Australians, including esteemed producer Flume, who went on to release a track as a form of protest.

The mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore, has since decided that the controversial laws are in desperate need of reform. “Unfortunately, the lockouts have had a serious impact on Sydney’s cultural life, businesses and our reputation overseas — and while areas like Kings Cross are safer, we know the balance isn’t right yet in terms of Sydney’s nightlife.”

The reforms will aim to adopt the agent of change principle for residential establishments within 100 metres of a music venue. This rule will shift the onus of soundproofing new installations from club owners to residential developers, and aims to protect the interests of the many nightclubs and live music venues in Sydney.